Xml to flash coding problems

hi,
i’m having a strange, strange problem while passing text from xml to flash

at my xml, where i’m using utf-8 encoding, i have this
<pt><![CDATA[obras de referênciaË*äºãâÊ]]></pt>

when i try to read this info in flash, the “ê” and “Ê” change to “e” and “E” and i can’t understant why. frst i thought i could be some kind of problem with the font but its not. i traced de xml file right after loading it and it had already changed
trace(event.currentTarget.data)

help on this subject would be much appreciated
thanks